Visual Analytics for Root DNS Data

The analysis of vast amounts of network data for monitoring and safeguarding a core pillar of the internet, the root DNS, is an enormous challenge. Understanding the distribution of the queries received by the root DNS, and how those queries change over time, in an intuitive manner is sought. Traditional query analysis is performed packet by packet, lacking global, temporal, and visual coherence, obscuring latent trends and clusters. Our approach leverages the pattern recognition and computational power of deep learning with 2D and 3D rendering techniques for quick and easy interpretation and interaction with vast amount of root DNS network traffic. Working with real-world DNS experts, our visualization reveals several surprising latent clusters of queries, potentially malicious and benign, discovers previously unknown characteristics of a real-world root DNS DDOS attack, and uncovers unforeseen changes in the distribution of queries received over time. These discoveries will provide DNS analysts with a deeper understanding of the nature of the DNS traffic under their charge, which will help them safeguard the root DNS against future attack.